Blessed Belonging

Being part of something bigger than ourselves is quite often challenging. Words, attitudes and personalities can certainly make us want to flee to some remote island where we perceive there is relief from such struggles. Those who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation are part of God's Family - The Body of Christ ... His Church. We are marked, set apart, bear a distinction from those who have not believed. We can deny it, avoid it, drop-out, even refuse to participate but it cannot be denied ... we are a member of The Body. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." (1 Corinthians 12:13). Those who have lost loved ones find certain days difficult; they miss their family! Believers cannot [and should not] forget their blessed belonging to The Family of God. While not perfect, of course, the sense of community is real and it is sweet! I love the words from this Puritan prayer: "Let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in Thy sight and devoted to Thy glory." Oh that Believers never consider their place in The Body of Christ as casual but rather know and feel the tender ties to Christ and other Believers. Let us love Christ and His Church - what a blessed belonging!